The Sindh Assembly on Wednesday approved the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 with a total outlay of Rs3.45 trillion – a 12.9% increase from the previous year.
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who also holds the portfolio of finance, presented the Sindh Finance Bill 2025 in the house.
All 2,000 cut motions of the opposition were rejected with a majority vote.
While presenting the Sindh Finance Bill, the chief minister said the budget aims to strengthen social protection, infrastructure, and economic reform.
The finance bill introduced key tax reliefs and amendments to streamline levies.
Among the major relief measures is the withdrawal of six levies, notably the professional tax, providing a Rs5 billion benefit to salaried individuals and small businesses.
The entertainment duty has also been scrapped to promote cultural activities. Additionally, fees for land-related documentation have been reduced by 50%, while the annual commercial vehicle tax has been capped at Rs 1,000.
Development spending stands at Rs1,018.3 billion (30%), with Rs281.7bn allocated to capital expenditure.
Other significant allocations in the FY2025-26 Sindh budget include Rs43 billion for an Ad-hoc relief allowance and Rs16 billion for a 15% pension increase.
According to the Sindh Finance Bill, public universities will receive Rs42.2 billion, while Rs10.4 billion has been earmarked for medical education in the budget.
Similarly, stamp duty on third-party insurance has been fixed at Rs50, and motorcycle insurance is exempted.
Key development initiatives under the Annual Development Programme include Rs8bn for the Benazir Hari Card, Rs2bn for low-income housing, and Rs25billion for renewable energy projects.
To promote transparency and efficiency, the government has decided to implement blockchain-based land record digitisation and introduce a one-step land ownership transfer system. Online mobile-based birth registration and increased credit access for farmers through the Sindh Cooperative Bank are also part of the reforms.
CM Murad described the relief measures as a “pro-growth, pro-people” policy aimed at reducing the burden on struggling sectors and promoting sustainable development.